Tragedy struck as a fertilizer-laden cargo ship collided with the pillar of the railway bridge spanning the Rupsha River in Khulna, leading to the capsizing of the vessel and the disappearance of two individuals.
The incident unfolded on Sunday at approximately 11:30 am, plunging Kalam, the ship’s cook, and Shakayat, the greaser, into the waters.
Inspector in charge of Rupsha Naval Police outpost, Nurul Islam Sheikh, confirmed the distressing event to Dhaka Tribune, initiating a comprehensive search effort involving three distinct teams from Naval Police, Rupsha Police station, and Coast Guard.
However, despite the concerted search operation, the location of the cargo remains elusive due to the river’s turbulent tide, prolonging the anguish of uncertainty surrounding the fate of the missing individuals.
Offering insights into the calamitous sequence of events, Rajib, the cargo engine’s in-charge, recounted, “The engine suddenly broke down, causing the ship to lose control and collide with the bridge pillar.”
Tragically, of the 13 individuals on board, only 11 managed to navigate to safety ashore, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Master of the “TLN-1” cargo ship, Shahidullah, shed light on the intended journey, stating, “The ship was en route to Nawapara carrying 1,140 tons of TSP fertilizer from Herbaria in Mongla port,” underscoring the magnitude of the cargo and the perilous circumstances faced during the ill-fated voyage.
